Description

Pyrethrum Aureum

This is the well-known "Golden Feather" or "Feverfew", still grown in hundreds of thousands annually for bedding out and carpet-bedding work. It is valued for the bright golden yellow of its leaves, and its dwarf dense growth. There are many varieties, some being more saleable than others; among them may be mentioned "sela-ginoides", the "Golden Curled", the "Golden Moss", and "laciniatum". The seeds are sown in shallow boxes of gritty sifted soil about January or February in a temperature of 65° F. They soon germinate, and when the seedlings are large enough to lift with a pointed stick they are pricked out into similar boxes (15 in. by 9 in. by 2 in.) in any ordinary compost, each box holding from 90 to 100 plants. They are gently watered, and grown on in heat until well established, the boxes being placed as close to the glass as possible to secure the maximum amount of light. About April a cooler place is given to harden them off, such as in frames, and by early May the sale commences, the prices perhaps starting at Is. per box and coming down to 6d. by the end of the season.